Headache Types
While there are a number of different types of headaches out there, in general, the most common type of headache is the tension headache. Such headaches are generally linked to muscle contractions throughout the head and face and in many cases even the back and neck. The migraine, a more intense type of headache, is typically ascribed to the swelling of blood vessels throughout the brain, although the actual cause or causes are not definitely known or understood at this time. It is known, however, that due to the fact that brain tissue has no pain sensitivity headaches are thought to be a product of the contraction of the scalp muscles, facial muscles or neck muscles and blood vessels that have led to the classification of a number of different headaches depending on the specific region or causative factors that is instigating the headache. Such headaches include back of the head headaches, back of the neck headaches, cluster headaches, rebound headaches and a plethora of others that continue to be identified year after year. Sinus inflammation is also one of the typical cause of headaches and as such any headache caused by the inflammation of the sinuses is simply referred to as a “sinus headaches”.
As mentioned, headaches can also be triggered by the dilation of blood vessels in the head or a swelling of the brain that stretches the surrounding membrane of the brain. Specific types of headaches may be linked to the involvement of the related nerves of the face and head because of this and extreme cases have even shown the ability to affect the entire body’s operations (such as strong migraines causing numbness, nausea, fatigue or other detrimental factors).
For all types of headaches it may well help those regularly afflicted to keep a diary of the factors that are commonly present during and prior to the onset of a headache. Causes can also include stress, hormonal changes, medication as well as certain foods.
The most common type of headache – the tension headache – is typically caused by the contraction of the shoulder, neck, scalp and jaw muscles, and can be related to stress, anxiety or depression. Other factors, such as intense periods of work, insufficient sleep, irregular meals and alcohol or street-drug intake can also result in the onset of a headache. Generally, the types of food that are commonly known to trigger headaches are cheese, chocolate, and foods containing MSG along with drinks containing caffeine. Those that regularly drink caffeinated drinks that find themselves deprived for a period of time can also be suddenly afflicted (as in the case of “rebound” headaches), yet caffeine itself can help to relieve a headache and is a common ingredient of painkillers as it can help stimulate blood flow and relieve pressure in strained areas.
Other factors that can contribute to headaches are grinding your teeth (often during sleep, but also indicative of stress), sleeping in an awkward position or in a cold room and undertaking an activity for a long period of time that requires the head to be held in one position with little movement.
